Cookeville, TN (March 16, 2026) – A pedestrian died after being struck by a vehicle on Sunday morning along Interstate 40 in Putnam County, Tennessee, according to authorities.
Troopers with the Tennessee Highway Patrol responded to the crash shortly after 8:00 a.m. on the westbound side of the interstate near Cookeville, Tennessee. Preliminary reports indicate that a 2006 Toyota Camry was traveling in the right lane of I-40 West when it struck a pedestrian who was walking partially in the right lane and along the roadway shoulder.
Authorities identified the pedestrian as Larry “Chase” Holt, 44, of Tennessee. Officials reported that Holt sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Emergency crews secured the area while investigators documented the crash site and gathered evidence. Additional details regarding the circumstances leading up to the collision have not yet been released. The incident remains under investigation by the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
We extend our condolences to the family and loved ones of the man who lost his life in this tragic accident.
Pedestrian Crashes on Interstate Highways Often Result in Severe Outcomes
Pedestrian incidents on high-speed highways such as Interstate 40 can be especially dangerous due to the speed and volume of traffic.
In areas like Putnam County, Tennessee, near Cookeville, Tennessee, interstate traffic moves at highway speeds, leaving drivers little time to react if a pedestrian enters a travel lane.
Investigators reviewing these incidents typically examine driver visibility, roadway conditions, and the pedestrian’s position on the roadway to determine how the collision occurred and whether any contributing factors were involved.
